Year: Senior

Major: Kinesiology/Sports Medicine

Chapter: Sigma Phi Epsilon, commonly known as Sig Ep

Position: Former Vice President of Philanthropy     

Background: Dallas is from Camden, Arkansas, and graduated in 2011 from CFHS. He is an avid sportsman, who especially enjoys going out on the weekends with his buddies to go duck hunting. Dallas is an active member of the Arkansas Alpha chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and was elected to their executive board as the Vice President of Philanthropy for the Fall of 2013, Spring of 2014, and a portion of the Fall of 2014. During his tenure, this senior leader was able to facilitate a team of over 20 dedicated chairs and active chapter members in the coordination and execution of the annual chapter Kickball event. 

Through his tireless efforts and various connections, he was able to raise over $10,000 for the chapter's Philanthropy of choice, Autism Speaks, an organization that promotes and facilitates donations towards Autism awareness and research. This is the highest amount donated by his chapter since the founding of its philanthropy position four years previous. Also, Dallas was a member and journeyman delegate for the collegiate branch of Autism Speaks, Autism U, in which he was able to support and increase membership through his promotion within Sigma Phi Epsilon and throughout the Greek community. I was able to sit down to him and interview him about his views on his time and his well-deserved Greek of The Week Award:   

1.      Why did you run for your position, even as a rising senior?

a.       I always knew that I wanted to be our Vice President of Philanthropy because I have always been dedicated to community service and philanthropic efforts. I chose not to run for the position until I was headed into my senior year because it was not until then that I felt I was prepared to dedicate the time and efforts necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the position.   

2.      Why are you and Sigma Phi Epsilon so passionate about supporting Autism Speaks? 

a.        For me personally, I have a friend from high school that has autism, and I have spent a lot of time around other people who also deal with the disorder as I prepare for a career as an occupational therapist. I think it is amazing what people with autism can accomplish with a little bit of help, and Autism Speaks is an amazing organization that is doing wonderful work in both researching and creating awareness for autism. 

b.      As for our chapter, one of local alumni has a son who has autism and has dedicated a lot of his time and efforts to Autism Speaks. Four years ago, we decided to join in the effort to supporting their family and Autism Speaks, and our passion for the cause has grown each year with our increased involvement.    

3.      What were some you challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them? 

a.       The biggest challenge was our annual sorority kickball tournament that benefits Autism Speaks. Organizing and executing the tournament took countless hours of work from myself and my committee. Utilizing my committee and being flexible during adversity allowed us to successfully carry out the tournament. All our efforts were well worth it, as we were able to raise $10,000 for Autism Speaks.   

4.      What do you see as the future of philanthropy on this campus? 

a.       Currently, IFC is working on the final planning stages of building a house with Habitat for Humanity, which will be huge. Right now, Greek life is pretty much fraternities participating in sorority philanthropy events, and vice versa. I think that it will not be long before everybody (fraternities, sororities, and the general student body) will all participate equally in philanthropy events hosted by all parties.   

5.      Any words of advice to your successor? (Me)

a.       He learned from the best, obviously. But really, he was right by my side with me from day one. He saw what I did well, and what I did poorly. He knows how to improve the position from where it was when I handed it over to him, and definitely has the drive and ambition to do so. I am completely confident that he will ten times the job I did.